Chapter 510: Concise and Comprehensive

"Is it really so?"

The two Da Hei Haozi's eyes instantly lit up.

As of now, anything Chen Yan says is settled, so there's no need for further words.

"Indeed!"

Chen Yan affirmed: "His Majesty has not shown displeasure. I have thought it over carefully and believe that what His Majesty displays is more like hating iron that won't become steel. You two, lately, don't pull any tricks; honestly bring some good wine, go find His Majesty for a drink, privately admit your mistake, and receive a punishment that's neither too light nor too heavy."

"That's great!" Yuchi Gong said joyfully: "I actually don't want to be jumping around all day either; it's not that we have no other way, is it?"

"Now that you say that, I instantly feel much more at ease."

"Good big nephew, this time really thanks to you. Come, let's both have a drink." Cheng Yaojin opened his mouth, clutched Chen Yan's shoulder, and raised his cup.

Chen Yan actually wanted to refuse; earlier, while he was in the Imperial Palace, he had already drunk a lot with Li Shimin.

But since Cheng Yaojin now brought it up voluntarily, it was hard to refuse, so he drank it.

After finishing, Chen Yan, fearing Yuchi Gong might come later, changed the subject: "Marquises, the matter is settled, but I have something I must clarify with you both."

Seeing his serious expression, Cheng Yaojin and Yuchi Gong turned serious.

"Alright, go ahead, we're listening."

"Here's the situation," Chen Yan said calmly: "This time the expedition against Tuyuhun will definitely be led by Li Jing; I hope you can understand that."

"Li Jing's ability to command troops, we may joke but we have to admit it's impressive, right?"

Cheng Yaojin and Yuchi Gong were speechless.

Indeed, regarding leading troops in battle, unless Li Shimin himself comes, no one in the Tang Dynasty can surpass him.

Even when considering generals throughout history, Li Jing can rank among the top.

We have to admire him!

"Secondly, the way wars are fought must definitely change. I estimate that Marquis Qin's current three thousand men, claimed to be heavy cavalry, might actually be the Divine Might Army, specialized in using bombs, or perhaps the soon‑to‑appear Divine Might Cannon."

"From now on, this will be the main mode of warfare; after we set out, we must become well acquainted with bombs and the Divine Might Cannon."

At this point, Chen Yan's eyes became intriguing: "After all, even if Li Jing's skill is high, he's old, and he never participated in the Xuanwu Gate team‑building, making his very existence rather awkward."

"Once Tuyuhun is conquered, he will never have another chance to fight; not only his body won't allow it, but His Majesty will no longer employ him either."

Hearing this, Cheng Yaojin and Yuchi Gong looked at each other, pondered for a moment, and nodded in understanding.

They understood Chen Yan's meaning: the Tuyuhun campaign would be Li Jing's final battle in his life; Li Shimin wouldn't kill him, but also wouldn't use him again.

Having them become familiar with bombs and the so‑called Divine Might Cannon is a blatant way of telling them that there will be plenty of moments for them to shine later, so they shouldn't rush now.

Having even one chance to go out and fight is already good.

Cheng Yaojin whispered, "I recall Du Ruhui once said that the Tang Dynasty's current potential threats aren't limited to Tuyuhun; more importantly… across the sea, there's a Wa Kingdom that must be taken down…"

Yuchi Gong laughed loudly, "Isn't that even better?"

"This time we let Li Jing have his moment in the spotlight, as recognition of his lifelong achievements; our good days are ahead!"

"Hmm!" Cheng Yaojin nodded heavily, then looked at Chen Yan, "By the way, good big nephew, I haven't asked you yet—upon your return to Chang'an, what position does His Majesty intend to assign you?"

Chen Yan twitched his nose and said quietly, "Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Revenue. When Dai Zhou's appointment changes early next year, I will be Minister of Revenue?"

"What?" Yuchi Gong sprang up, slamming the table so it shook, his eyes widened enormously, showing no concealment of his shock.

"Doesn't that mean the Minister of Revenue is already nailed down as you?"

Chen Yan nodded, "If nothing unexpected occurs, that's how it will be."

"This…" Yuchi Gong was at a loss for words for a moment.

The Minister of Revenue—this position is truly huge, and the power it holds is immense.

Now that Chen Yan has become Minister of Revenue, he should feel pleased, but upon careful thought, he realizes that the more one gains, the more one must sacrifice.

Sometimes, rising too high isn't necessarily a good thing.

Cheng Yaojin said silently, "We can't gauge this precisely, but on the surface it looks like a good thing; you should be more careful yourself moving forward."

"Since His Majesty has already decided, it's not for others to comment on; you must remember that the higher you stand, the more people will uphold you, and you must not be swayed by petty people's ways."

"Hmm, I'll remember that!"

"......"

After leaving Cheng's residence, Chen Yan stood for a while, inhaled the cold wind, and felt considerably refreshed.

By now it was already getting late; he had spent a lot of time in the Imperial Palace and chatted with Cheng Yaojin and the others, and the day passed like that.

He looked up at the evening sky for a moment, shook his head, and leisurely walked home.

His home wasn't far from Cheng's residence; after all, the Meritorious Nobles of Chang'an mostly live within the same circle.

Even though Chen Yan slowed his pace, he arrived home quickly.

He intended to freshen up and rest early today.

But unexpectedly, shortly after returning, he saw Gao Yang standing with hands on hips, glaring at him.

"You bastard, you still know how to come back? On what grounds did you take Xiao Sizi and Chengyang away? Do you know how long I searched for them today?"

"Taking them away is one thing, but you didn't even tell me—do you really have such a blunt attitude?"

Today, the Gao Yang people have been driven crazy looking for them.

Later they finally found Xiao Qingyue from the back kitchen, and learned that Chen Yan, while counting with Prince Wei, had taken Sizi and Chengyang away.

That had made her furious at the time.

No wonder she was questioning her life while searching, only to discover they had been taken!

So, all day today Gao Yang has been waiting for Chen Yan to return!

"Alright, today was tiring, we drank a lot; don't cause a ruckus, any matters can be discussed tomorrow!"

Chen Yan waved his hand and intended to go freshen up.

But as he turned, the alcohol made him a bit light‑headed; he turned his head and, concisely, asked: "Kun?"

Gao Yang froze, really wanted to agree, but when he thought that today he was not very convenient, he said dejectedly, "Curtain!"

Chen Yan was silent for two seconds, "Oh?"

Gao Yang instantly widened his eyes, huffily said, "No!"

"Alright then!"

Chen Yan pursed his lips, muttered something offhand, and then left.

"Your Simplified Chinese is pretty good; next time I'll teach you more!"

"......"

PS: A quick off‑topic note, my darlings, the New Year is almost here again; do you have a partner yet?

Anyway, I don't; today my mother forced me to fill out a matchmaking form....